Accommodation facility for unaccompanied under-aged asylum seekers "Agios Athanasios"

2020 was a landmark year for our organisation. From volunteering with refugees, we decided to move on to the management of an accommodation facility for unaccompanied under aged asylum seekers. We came across many obstacles during the way, however, we were able to fulfil our primary goal.

Our goal was to be able to provide these children with a safe and caring environment. And we did it!

So, on 6th of August 2020, the first four children were hosted at our organisation’s facilities located in Aspraggeli of Zagori. The accommodation facility for unaccompanied under aged asylum seekers “Agios Athanasios” now has a capacity of 40 beneficiaries 12 years of age and older, and is sponsored by a national program of the Ministry of Asylum, Migration and Integration, with a program code MIS 5050789.

The primary objective of the accommodation facility is to ensure that there is sufficient care, protection and to ensure the smooth coming of age for the unaccompanied under aged asylum seekers. Apart from accommodation, the following services are provided to the under aged asylum seekers: 1) Food 2) Services of a translator 3) Cleaning services and basic hygiene items 4) Psycho-social support 5) Legal Aid 6) Medical Aid through referrals 7) Financial Aid distribution 8) Educational, athletic and recreational activities (including supportive teaching of Greek, English, Mathematics, IT, arts and crafts, music, recreational trips) with an aim to support the personality development and needs of the children 9) Events in local community for raising awareness.

We offer these services with specifically educated employees 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the project will last for 12 months. European Solidarity Corps volunteers of our organisation are a significant help for the educational, sports and recreational activities on daily basis.

As well, we are in touch with local authorities on daily basis for the best interest of the children.

These activities were supported by European Solidarity Corps program of the European Commission.